Opening scene: At 221B. Watson awakened early by SH. Client visited early, with no appointment.

Client: Helen Stoner, stepdaughter of Dr. Grimsby Roylott. She had restless frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot with premature gray, and her expression was weary and haggard.

Crime, suspicion, concern: Stepfather acted strangely, client felt concerned for her safety. Julia her twin sister haddied mysteriously 2 yrs previously. The client feared murder. It was determined later that Julia was murdered by a snake (speckled band) bite, Helen’s murder was attempted but did not succeed.

Holmes’ fees: Client stated “in a month or six weeks I shall be married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you shall not find me ungrateful”. Holmes replied “I shall be happy to devote the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which suits you best”.

Transport: Client took dog-cart from home, first train from Leatherhead to Waterloo (station). H&W then took a cab to Waterloo, the train to Leatherhead, and a trap back 4 or 5 miles through the Surrey lanes to Stoke Moran.Food: Holmes ordered a cup of hot coffee for Ms. Stoner on the cold morning. Mrs. Hudson had lit the fire.Drink: / Vices: none

Other cases mentioned: The case of Mrs. Fairintosh, involving her sore need related to an opal tiara.